Fort Wayne, Indiana is the second-largest city in Indiana and the seat of Allen County. It’s a fun, friendly place packed with activities for your next vacation. Fort Wayne is easy to reach by car, bus, or air travel and offers ample parking (often free!)

This blog has all the info you need to plan a fantastic spring getaway to Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Spring Getaway Guide to Fort Wayne, Indiana

How To Get Here

By Car

Fort Wayne is accessible by car from all directions, and we’re just a few hours from most major Midwest cities. Use our handy Maps to plan your travel route.

By Plane
By Bus
  • Greyhound bus station is located downtown at 121 West Baker Street. Call (260) 423-9525 for ticket info.   

Attractions

Girl at Zoo with Tiger

This is just a sample of the things you can see and do in Fort Wayne. For the big list, visit our Things To Do page.

  • The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo opens for the season on April 1, 2024. See the Monkey Island Exhibit and River Otter exhibit, African lions, Sumatran tigers — and the nationally ranked Red Panda Ridge Exhibit — at one of the nation's top-ranked zoos! Location: 3411 Sherman Blvd., 46808
     
  • Science Central is filled with interactive, hands-on science exhibits and offers daily auditorium shows. Location: 1950 North Clinton St., 46805
     
  • Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory is an oasis of nature located in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne! The "Color in Motion" Live Butterfly Exhibit is a must-see this spring, which guests can experience from April 16 - June 23, 2024. Location: 1100 South Calhoun St., 46802

 

Arts & Music

Wolf and Fox mural at Wells and Fourth Streets, created by Jerrod Tobias

Fort Wayne boasts a rich culture of arts and music. Visit our Arts page to get acquainted with the local scene, or check out these individual selections:

  • Fort Wayne Museum of Art offers diverse exhibitions of contemporary and historical art. There’s even a fun space set up just for kids! Location: 311 East Main St., 46802
     
  • Sign up for the free Fort Wayne Public Art Trail digital pass, featuring dozens of murals and sculptures dotted around the city. Many are located downtown, but you can also find them in other areas of Fort Wayne. The best part? You can check in at each piece to earn prizes!
     
  • Fort Wayne Civic Theatre and Arena Dinner Theatre offer top local talent in charming productions. 
     
  • The Embassy Theatre offers national touring shows, including "Pretty Woman: The Musical" on April 13.
     
  • The Fort Wayne Ballet, Indiana's longest-running professional ballet company, brings you "Romeo and Juliet" with the help of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra on April 19-21. If you're looking for a family-friendly performance, enjoy an exciting retelling of the beloved children's book, "Madeline", come to life on April 27! Then May 10-11, the ballet will invite you inside their own studio for "Studio Series Pints en Pointe", a unique and casual performance experience that brings you an up-close and personal dance performance, a paired tasting, and conversation with the dancers.

 

Sports

  • Komet Hockey season will run through mid-April for the 2024 season. Fort Wayne’s ECHL hockey team plays home games at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum. Komet Hockey games are always a great time! Click here for ticket info.
     
  • TinCaps Baseball kicks off its 2024 season with the home opener on April 9. The Fort Wayne TinCaps play home games at Parkview Field, one of the nation's highest-rated minor league ballparks! TinCaps games offer affordable family fun, plus some of the best views of our downtown skyline. Click here for ticket info.
     
  • Soccer fans won't want to miss the Fort Wayne FC in action this spring! The home opener will be Saturday, May 18 at the University of Saint Francis Bishop John D’Arcy Stadium. Playing the Dayton Dutch Lions of the United Soccer League Two (USL2), Fort Wayne FC's inaugural season kicks off in early May. Find schedule updates here.

 

Rivers & Trails

Canal Boat docked at Promenade Park

  • Promenade Park is calling your name! Explore this modern urban park on the banks of the St. Marys Rivers in the heart of downtown Fort Wayne. Click here to see what Promenade Park has to offer.
     
  • The Rivergreenway is a 25-mile linear park maintained by the City of Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department. Spend a sunny afternoon walking, running, or biking our trails along one of Fort Wayne’s three rivers. Click here for more info.
     
  • The free Fort Wayne Outdoor Pass offers special trail routes for walking, biking, and paddling! Sign up on your phone and check in at each trailhead to earn prizes. 
     
  • Bike, Canoe, and Kayak Rentals are available at Fort Wayne Outfitters. Click here for their website.

 

Shopping

  • Glenbrook Square Mall is a great destination for shopping! Enjoy some of your favorite stores in this super-regional shopping center.
     
  • Jefferson Pointe Shopping Center is a great place for an outdoor shopping experience. Enjoy the beautiful spring weather while you shop at upscale stores such as Von Maur, Ann Taylor Loft, Vera Bradley, and more.
     
  • If you're looking to explore Fort Wayne's boutiques, then you should also map out your shopping experience with our boutiques listing!

 

Dining

Food Lovers are Welcome in Fort Wayne! Check out the Visit Fort Wayne restaurant portal and search away. Plus, get to the good stuff with our Best of Dining lists.

Friends dining at Copper Spoon

Spirits
 

 

Hotels

There are many national/international hotel chains in town, and some great bed & breakfast options as well. Search the Visit Fort Wayne hotels page to find your perfect sleep spot and browse deals available with Hotel Packages.

 

Fort Wayne Savings Pass promotional graphic

Fort Wayne Savings Pass

Eat, play, and SAVE when you visit Fort Wayne! Sign up for the FREE mobile savings pass for discounts at Fort Wayne restaurants, attractions, boutiques, and more. Enjoy more than $200 in savings — right at your fingertips. Get your Savings Pass.

This post was originally published in February 2017 and has been updated. Last updated: March 2023